Hall Co. commissioners to enact moratorium on adult clubs

GAINESVILLE - Even though there are no adult entertainment establishments in Hall County, county commissioners have been asked to take a look at the current county ordinance and make some updates.

County Attorney Bill Blalock said at Monday afternoon's commission work session a moratorium on opening any such businesses has to be enacted first, and then commissioners can go to work on revamping the ordinance, something that hasn't been done in 18 years.

"Because the ordinance is getting some age on it, we need to review it, get a look at it, read the case law that's developed over the last 15 to 20 years, make sure all our definitions are current," said Blalock.

He said there have been no efforts by anyone to open any sort of adult entertainment establishment in the county, so the revamping of the county ordinance is a proactive move. Blalock noted that because there are so many legal ramifications with adult entertainment establishments, law requires a moratorium on such businesses while an ordinance undergoes any changes-he said it's standard procedure.

"You freeze it in place until you can do what's necessary to be done," he said. "They [the commissioners] have got to actually study some treatises and some references about how adult entertainment affects the community health and welfare."

Commissioner Craig Lutz suggested that commissioners review an adult entertainment ordinance enacted several years ago by the city of Flowery Branch as the county prepares to rework its measure.

Commissioners will vote on the moratorium at Thursday's regular meeting.

Lanier Raceplex licenses up for first reading

At their Thursday meeting, Hall County Commissioners will hold a first reading and public hearing on a plan to re-open the old Lanier Speedway property on Winder Highway as Lanier Raceplex. Property owners have applied for business licenses that will allow them them to operate as a race track and also hold concerts on Friday and Saturday nights at the venue.

New Hall County logo to be unveiled Thursday

Hall County Communications Director Katie Crumley said a new logo for the county will be unveiled at Thursday's regular commission meeting. The logo, which was designed by a consultant after surveying residents and focus groups last summer and fall, will be used in the county's future marketing efforts.